Jessica Mendoza Softball Training - RUN: Good Lead : Softball.com

[ASAPTraining]

@stoplightcity; I appreciate your feedback. However, the fact that she is rocking at all simply illustrates the problem with this start technique. A player rocking away from second base at the time the ball is struck must overcome that inertia and apply force in the complete opposite direction, increasing the time it takes her to get off first and to reach second. Female athletes are just as reactive and explosive as their male counterparts; the rules of athleticism apply equally to both.

[softballkid00]

@ASAPTraining I guess it's a good thing she's not leaving when the ball is struck...she's leaving when the pitcher releases the ball. I use this technique to lead off as well. I start to rock back before the pitcher releases the ball, and push off right at release. I actually prefers this tech. versus just pushing off. Just speaking from experience.

[aleados]

she has the most beatiful legs !!!

[ASAPTraining]

2 potential issues. One, the runner has her back to the plate, limiting her view of the field of play, and her reaction time. Two, while the rear foot should be parallel to the base, the runner's rear foot should be against the base, and her weight balanced, instead of rear-loaded. First step quickness off the bag will improve if she simply reverses the position (at 0:46,) planting her left foot against the bag, and assuming a wide, balanced stance with her feet wider than her knees.

[jjj1951]

@ASAPTraining When does the runner have her back to the plate in this video? Never.

[ASAPTraining]

@jjj1951: Good point. Let me clarify; the runner's back is not fully turned. However, in the demonstrated ready/takeoff position, the left shoulder would impede easy view of the plate and field of play.

[Stoplightcity]

@ASAPTraining I beg to differ. The technique she demonstrates allows her to see the position of each defensive player on the field. She knows where the catcher is and IF her back is turned toward the catcher it is only for a fraction of a second (as she rocks her weight to her right foot) in preparing to push off. As her right foot contacts the ground on her first step, her hips are square to second base, as they should be. A quick glance over her left shoulder will allow her to track the ball.

[daw1zzard]

One of the first times I did that our first basemen was batting and about took my head off.